Tiger Woods has turned down the opportunity to captain the United States at the 2027 Ryder Cup, the PGA of America has announced. The 15-time major winner had been the favourite to lead the US team at Adare Manor in Ireland, but his decision follows a recent car accident and charges of driving under the influence.
Woods was involved in an accident last week in which he clipped a trailer while overtaking and rolled his Land Rover. Police reported signs of impairment and found two white pills identified as hydrocodone, a prescription opioid, during a search of his vehicle. It was the fourth motoring accident for Woods since 2009.
In a statement, the PGA of America said: 'We commend Tiger for prioritising his long-term health and deeply respect the courage it takes to make such a personal decision. Tiger has shared with us that he will not serve as captain of the 2027 US Ryder Cup team and we support his decision.'
Woods, 50, has undergone numerous surgeries throughout his career, including multiple procedures on his leg and ankle after a serious car crash in 2021. A Florida judge has granted him permission to leave the US to enter a comprehensive inpatient treatment facility, citing the need for an 'intensive, highly individualised and medically integrated program' away from media scrutiny.
His attorney, Douglas Duncan, stated that the out-of-country facility was recommended due to Woods' 'complex clinical presentation' and the urgent need for care that cannot be safely provided in the US, as his privacy has been repeatedly compromised. The PGA of America will announce a new captain in due course.
